Nine of the Best Ski Resorts for Foodies

Nine of the Best Ski Resorts for Foodies



Need
to refuel between skiing? We’ve scaled peaks, braved slopes
and gone off-piste to find Michelin-starred restaurants, brunch
spots with great views and the fondue loved by locals.

A gourmet guide to the world’s best après-ski restaurants

Whether you’re trialling a new resort
or you’ve been visiting for 20 years, finding somewhere for a bite
between pistes can be a minefield. The best restaurants are often found on
the highest peaks and local favourites occupy nooks and crannies
hidden from an outsider’s eye – throw
new openings
into the mix and you’ll probably decide it’s
easier to stockpile bread rolls from breakfast. But whether you’re
seeking Michelin-starred restaurants
that won’t break the bank (or will), an all-day brunch spot with killer views or
a good old fondue, we’ve got you covered.


Morzine

France

Despite Morzine’s highest peak reaching a meek 1000m, what the
resort lacks in height it more than makes up for in chocolate-box,
chalet-style restaurants. Start your day with a trip to La
Bonbonniere, an independent bakery and patisserie in the town
centre. After a day’s skiing, enjoy a well-earned evening
of Savoyarde fine dining and relaxation at Le Mas de la Coutettaz
(The Farmhouse Restaurant). Arrive early to admire the traditional
decor and stay late to enjoy the candlelit banquet room, complete
with brick walls and wooden beams.


Tröllaskagi Peninsula

Iceland

Work up an appetite as you hike or ski your away around the
sweeping valleys, glacial fjords and titanic mountains of the Troll
Peninsula. In a trip that guarantees dramatic scenery and endless
exploration, it comes as an added bonus that the area’s culinary
heritage is centred around homely, hearty fare. Head to Kaffi
Rauðka in the little fishing village of Siglufjordur for excellent
Icelandic food; the restaurant serves everything from hashed fish
to barbecued baby-back ribs in a delightful red house on the
marina. If you have a sweet tooth, pop into local artist Fríða
Gylfadóttir’s studio-cum-chocolate shop. Warm up with a cup of
coffee and some artisanal
chocolate while admiring handmade furniture and delicate artwork
adorning the gallery walls.


St Moritz

Switzerland

This UNESCO World Heritage Site and two-time host city for the
Winter Olympics is known for its elegance and class, both of which
are reflected in the area’s oh-so haute cuisine. The resort’s
gastronomy blends Italian and French influences with its own
classic twists (think fondue, raclette and salsiz – a traditional
cured sausage). For lunch, head to Hatecke to sample a range of
Swiss meats; follow with a trip to El Paradiso for puff pastries
and meringues. For après-ski, stop by the Hotel Waldhaus am See to sip on
a dram or two from the world’s largest whisky bar, Devil’s Place.
If you visit in January, don’t miss the St
Moritz Gourmet Festival. Held every winter, chefs from around the
globe demonstrate their culinary finesse in the town’s most opulent
hotels.


Megève

France

With cobbled streets, a medieval square and alpine architecture,
this haute-Savoie resort upholds extravagant charm without (too
much) pretension. Choose from one of three Michelin-starred
restaurants – three-starred Flocons de Sel, where chef Emmanuel
Renaut plates up refined and elevated mountain gastronomy, is the
one for a blow out. If you’d rather something more low-key you’ll
find affordable local cuisine at mountainside Chalet le Radaz, a
restored wooden building offering traditional meals on a terrace
overlooking the piste. Spaggiari, a gangster-themed pizza bar is
also a surprising winner. Don’t miss the farmer’s market every
Friday, when the village square is filled with speciality stalls
selling local produce, deli goods and pastries.


Sölden

Austria

The “Big Three Rally” is this resort’s main selling point,
enticing competitive snowboarders and high-level skiers looking to
test their skill on Sölden’s three main peaks every season.
Restaurants cater to the resort’s wide variety of clientele,
offering both high-end gastronomy and self-service cafeterias.
Known for being James Bond’s favourite resort, guests seeking to
emulate the secret-agent suaveness should head to Ice Q, a
glass-walled oasis sitting 3,048m above sea level. Less enchanted
by cosmopolitan style, thrill-seeking snowboarders can refuel at
the Goldegg Alm. Try the goulaschsuppe (goulash soup) or
kaiserchmarren (sliced pancakes) for a traditional Austrian
meal.


Sauze d’Oulx

Italy

Between France and Italy lies six resorts that make up the Via
Lattea (Milky Way). Notorious for its raucous nightlife, Sauze
d’Oulx may be nicknamed the “Benidorm of The Alps”, but don’t let
that put you off. Charming family-run restaurants fill the
village’s cobbled streets – the best of which can be found in the
resort’s old town. La Griglia is a local favourite, known for its
extensive menu of wood-fired pizzas and intimate cove-like setting
completed by stone ceilings. For an elegant mid-ski meal, book a
table at Michelin-starred Naskira and pair your gourmet lunch with
a glass of Piedmontese wine and views of the
Dolomites.


7.

Courchevel, France

One of the Three Valleys that make up the world’s largest
connected ski areas, Courchevel is as famous for its fine dining as
it is for its 150km of immaculate pistes. Hosting a total of 11
Michelin-starred restaurants, the culinary offering reflects
Courche’s clientele: expensive. Treat yourself to an evening meal
at Chabichou, a family-run hotel and restaurant that has
become a landmark here. Keeping up sophisticated appearances, pop
into La Saulire to get stuck into their extensive wine and
champagne collection under the guise of research for you cellar
(read: wine rack) back home. In the morning, give your sore legs
and woozy head a break with the all-day breakfast at La
Boulotte.


Whistler

Canada

The wide choice of eateries in this Canadian resort means ample
choice for the two million who visit each year. Start simple and
begin your day with a local favourite at Purebread – a family-run
bakery specialising in delicious pastries and cakes. Order the
sour-cherry chocolate French toast or, if you’re in the mood for
something savoury, a grilled cheese toastie with cheddar jalapeno
should do the trick. After a morning on the piste, enjoy a light
lunch at Christine’s on Blackcomb. If you’re feeling flush, opt for
the wine flight and try a selection of local and international
bottles.


Courmayeur

Italy

Come Friday afternoon in high season, hordes of wealthy Milanese
arrive at this Alpine resort at the foot of Mont Blanc. (Its
proximity to both Geneva and Turin airports make it an increasingly
popular destination for weekenders from the UK and neighbouring
countries too.) While stylish Courmayeur’s ski area is relatively
small, its off-piste, lively nightlife and string of moreish
restaurants more than compensate. Food is taken seriously here; so
much so in fact that second to hitting the slopes, eating is the
activity of choice. Regulars to Courmayeur should check out chef
Tom Kerridge’s Mountain Gourmet Ski Experience at the resort this
year.

ski chalet roofs in sers chevalier

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